Conservative Care for a Lifetime of Oral Health

Does This Work Need To Be Done?

I hear this question from patients often, and I can say unequivocally that my team and I don’t recommend dental procedures unless they’re in our patients’ best interest. Our overall practice philosophy is to do the absolute minimal possible to preserve the natural, healthy tooth. We don’t upsell extra cosmetic procedures when many patients’ teeth will do just fine like they are for decades. It’s upsetting how often a patient comes to me after another dental professional has recommended a substantial amount of work that, in my opinion, doesn’t need to be done.

Why Am I Still Getting Cavities In My 50s? (60s? 70s?)

Cavities occur in childhood mostly because kids aren’t great at getting their teeth clean. Then, you may experience a hiatus in your 20s and 30s when not much happens. But if you develop a sugar habit in your later years or aren’t as diligent about flossing, decay sucrose begins to occur again. Many older people buy vitamins and supplements in gummy form. That’s like eating a jellybean. If it’s got sucrose, which most gummies do, you’re asking for decay. Routine maintenance is just as important for your teeth as for your car. If you don’t change the oil, you shorten the life of your vehicle. If you don’t brush and floss routinely, you’re asking for cavities.

When Will My Permanent Crown Be Seated?

CEREC same-day crowns easily cut the time you’ll spend at our office in half by making it possible for you to get a dental crown in a single visit. This treatment uses cutting-edge technology to mill your crown today, so you don’t have to endure an unreliable temporary crown and you don’t have to come back for a second appointment. CEREC crowns look great. The fit is unmatched and they’re stronger than a natural tooth.

Am I Too Old To Get My Teeth Straightened?

Clear aligner therapy has made orthodontics a great option at any age. If you never had braces or had them but didn’t wear your retainer, if your teeth have shifted as you’ve aged, Sure Smile is a great option and it’s more affordable than the leading brand. Misaligned teeth can wear prematurely or can interfere with proper toothbrushing and flossing, leaving you vulnerable to decay. Aligners can straighten your teeth at any age.

Do My Fillings Need To Be Changed Out?

Not necessarily. If your fillings are working fine in your 70s and 80s, you absolutely can just leave them alone. The new composite filling looks more like your natural teeth, but as long as your teeth are still working great, leave those fillings alone.

I Lost A Tooth. Do I Have To Replace It?

Ideally, you would. But depending on where it is in your mouth, it can be fine to go without. Every case is different, and we will let you know what the pros and cons are with every decision you have to make.